Wheels in motion for city bikes scheme

Sheffield University launch of Sheffield Bycycle scheme: Sheffield University Travel Planner Darren Hardwick (left) and Karlos Bingham of Recycle Bikes show off the alternative transport system from the University to the town centre, along with bike buns baked for the occasion

Published:13:30Saturday 10 October 2015

Sheffield joined London and Paris this week with the launch of the city’s public bike share scheme.

The first of its kind in Yorkshire, Sheffield ByCycle is operated by Sheffield University but is open to everyone.

University travel planner Darren Hardwick said: “These schemes enable people to use a bike when they want to do the shopping, go to a meeting or just get around with friends.”

The scheme has 30 bikes in place at three Sheffield University docking stations and two halls of residence, with further stations planned later this year at Devonshire Green, Barkers Pool and Sheffield railway station.

Users can sign up for either a day or annual membership of £10, with the first 30 minutes free of charge.

After that journeys cost £1 per hour, ending the moment you dock a bike in any station.

Sheffield ByCycle is funded by the university, with initial costs of around £85,000 coming from car parking fees at university site.

The university has ring- fenced all car park charges to provide sustainable transport initiatives, as well as covering car park costs.

The city centre sites are funded by Sheffield Council and the scheme aims to expand as other businesses will be encouraged to fund their own bikes and docking stations. A docking station and five bikes would cost around £10,000.

Sheffield University has just been awarded the title ‘Most Cycle-Friendly Employer in the UK’, in recognition of its various initiatives resulting in 9 per cent of staff regularly cycling to work – a figure similar to many companies in London.

All memberships are managed through the scheme website www.sheffieldbycycle.co.uk.